Their talk was of me.  I am used to recite my own praises, you know; and what signifies making a parade of apologies for continuing the use?  I don’t value myself so much as I once did on peoples favourable opinions.  If I had a heart in my own keeping, I should be glad it was thought a good one; that’s all.  Yet though it has littlenesses in it that I knew nothing of formerly, I hope it is not a bad one.

My Lord D——­, by the whole turn of the partial conversation, was led to expect a very extraordinary young woman.  The lady declared, that she would have her talk out, and hear all my two cousins were inclined to say of me, before I was sent up to, as I was not below when they came.

I was therefore to be seen only as a subject of curiosity.  My lord had declared, it seems, that he would not be denied an introduction to me by his mother.  But there were no thoughts of making any application to a girl whose heart was acknowledged not to be her own.  My lord’s honour would not allow of such an intention.  Nor ought it.

His impatience, however, hastened the message to me.  The countess met me half-way, and embraced me.  My lovely girl, how do you?—­My lord, said she, turning to the earl, I need not say—­This is Miss Byron.

He bowed low, and made me a very high compliment; but it had sense in it, though high, and above my merits.  Girls, writing of themselves on these occasions, must be disclaimers, you know:  But, my dear uncle, what care I now for compliments?  The man, from whose mouth only they could be acceptable, is not at liberty to make me any.

The countess engaged me in an easy general conversation; part of which turned upon Lord and Lady L——­, Miss Grandison, and Miss Jervois, and how I had passed my time at Colnebrook, in this wintry season, when there were so many diversions in town.  But, said she, you had a man with you, who is the admiration of every man and woman, wherever he goes.

Is there no making an acquaintance, said my lord, with Sir Charles Grandison?  What I hear said of him, every time he is mentioned in company, is enough to fire a young man with emulation.  I should be happy did I deserve to be thought of as a second or third man to Sir Charles Grandison.

I dare say, returned I, your lordship’s acquaintance would be highly acceptable to him.  He is easy of access.  Men of rank, if men of merit, must be of kindred, and recognize one another the moment they meet.  But Sir Charles will soon leave England.

The fool sighed:  it was, you may believe, involuntarily.  I felt myself blush, and was the more silly for that.

The countess took my hand—­One word with you, my dear—­and led me out into the next room, and sitting down, made me sit on the same settee with her.

O that I could call you daughter! began she at once; and turning half round to me, put one arm about me, with her other hand taking one of mine, and earnestly looking in my downcast face.